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Employer FAQ

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What Does The Department Do After A Claim Has Been Filed?

After a claim has been filed with the Department, the Department will mail a letter to the employer with a copy of the claim. A Complaint along with an Questionnaire that must be completed will also be enclosed.

What Must An Employer Do After The Employer Receives A Notice Of A Claim?

The employer must respond to the claim by taking one of the following actions:

The employer can resolve the matter without further costs by submitting a check to the Department for the amount claimed in accordance with the instructions contained in the Department’s letter.

The employer may challenge the claim. If an employer desires to challenge a claim, the employer

must return the completed employer questionnaire,

answer each allegation of the Complaint, and

provide any documents that support the employer’s case. The employer must return to the Department within 20 days after the date of the Notice from the Department the employer’s answer to the complaint and the completed Questionnaire and all documents, which support the defense to the claim. See Section 300.941.

What Occurs If I Do Not Timely Respond As Required?

If the Department does not receive a timely response, then the allegations set forth in the complaint will be deemed admitted as true and a judgment can be taken against the named company and/or individual based upon the failure to respond.

In addition an individual can be held personally liable. See Section 300.620.

What Occurs After The Response Is Received?

After the Department receives all the requested information, the Department will conduct an investigation into the matter and make a determination. If the Department determines there are issues of fact, the matter will be set for a formal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You will receive notice of the hearing and the date will be posted on the Department’s web site.

What Are The Penalties If The Administrtative Law Judge Upholds The Claim?

If a claim goes to a hearing and the Administrative Law Judge finds in favor of the claimant, in addition to the amount the Administrative Law Judge finds to be owing, the employer is responsible for an administrative fee ($250 for claims $3000 or less, $500 for claims between $3000 and $10,000 and $1000 for claims over $10,000) plus statutory damages in the amount of 2% of the amount owed multiplied by the number of months that have elapsed between the time of the initial underpayment and the time the Administrative Law Judge’s order is paid. An employer that fails to comply with the order within 15days shall also be liable for a penalty of 20% of the amount owed plus 1% per day of the amount owed for each day the payment is delayed. See Sections 300.1180, 300.1190, 300.1200, and 300.1210.

Can I Be Held Personally Libale For The Claim?

Any person, including corporate officers, agents or any person who acts directly or indirectly in the interest of the employer in relation to an employee may be considered an employer under the Act and may be held individually liable for wages and final compensation.

In addition any person who knowingly permits the employer to violate the provisions of the Act including the failure to pay wages and final compensation may be individually liable for wages and final compensation. See Section 300.620​.​